Welcome to the Hive: English and Social Studies Departments

Mr. Thompson likes cooking, bike rides, taking walks, and making art. *Photo: Mr. Stephen Thompson*

By SAMIAH FARDOUS and SMITA SADEK

This fall, the English department welcomed new teachers Ms. Anna Dell’Olio, Ms. Nina Mazzara, Ms. Alexandra Milora, and Ms. Janice Parikh, and the History Department said hello to Ms. Amanda Ardito and Mr. Stephen Thompson.

We sat down with Ms. Milora and Mr. Thompson to learn more about these new Hornets.

Ms. Milora is currently teaching ninth grade English and eleventh grade American Classics. Having previously taught at JHS 23 and IS 303, she switched to high school for the opportunity to work with a different age group.

Ms. Milora discovered her passion for education during her time as a summer camp counselor in high school and college, which opened her eyes to the joy of working with young people. “It’s not just teaching your lesson and then you’re done. You have to be a continuous support system for them,” she said.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Milora leads a busy life filled with hobbies. A lover of mystery novels and TV series, she is currently enjoying Criminal Minds and recently finished House. She also spends her evenings crocheting beginner-friendly blankets and caring for her two cats, Leo and Luna. She has traveled to Ireland, Scotland, and England, which she described as incredibly memorable.

Though teaching comes with challenges, such as balancing time for lesson preparation and grading, Ms. Milora thrives on the variety and connections her work provides. “Every day feels different and exciting because you’re having new conversations and interacting with so many people,” she said.

Her coworker Mr. Thompson, originally from Oregon, moved to New York City in 2009. He attended Brooklyn College, where he was able to create a unique major blending political science and philosophy. He previously taught 10th-grade global history and English in Manhattan.

Mr. Thompson didn’t always picture himself as a teacher. “To be honest, I didn’t enjoy school much, and I was eager to leave it behind,” he said. However, a pivotal experience with his 8th grade science teacher shifted his perspective. “He gave me the freedom and understanding I needed as a student, and that inspired me to become a teacher myself,” he said.

While he enjoys teaching, he admits that there are difficulties he faces as well. “I’m not a morning person,” he said. “But those moments when you see students learn something new or realize something about the world—it makes it worth it.”

Outside of teaching, Mr. Thompson has plenty of hobbies to keep himself busy. “I love to cook, ride my bike, take walks, and make art,” he said. “I also love to try new foods from different cuisines and cultures and learn how to make them.”

“I’m always taking classes—online or on my own time—just to learn things that interest me, whether it’s architecture, computer science, art, or other things,” he added.

Mr. Thompson already feels at home in the Hive. “I'm very happy in the Midwood community,” he said. “Everybody has been very kind and welcoming so far, and I feel like it has been a pleasure.”